Welcome Bishop Schol!

Posted in the June 2025 Newsletter

Passion: the best word to describe Bishop John Schol. And I am beyond excited to have his passion for educating future leaders in the church and community at Wesley College.

Bishop Schol joined the Wesley College Board of Trustees in Tanzania as the new Chair in May of this Year.

Early Work in Africa

Many of you may be wondering how a US Bishop in the United Methodist Church connected with a college in Tanzania...

Bishop Schol has a history of international outreach dating back to his time working as an urban executive for General Board of Global Ministries.

There, he developed and led two ministries that expanded across the globe: Communities of Shalom and Holy Boldness.

These initiatives drew on his passion for witnessing those leading challenging lives and their resilency in the face of suffering.

The programs trained thousands in church and community development.

From New Jersey to Mwanza

After his time with GBGM, Bishop Schol was assigned to work with churches in greater New Jersey as their Bishop.

His heart for leading churches to greater community growth extended to international outreach.

In 2017, he started a Pastor School in Tanzania and the first session was held in Mwanza at a newly formed school.....Wesley College.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Christianity and United Methodism is growing in Tanzania because of Wesley College."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When you talk to Bishop Schol- you will find he does not hold back on the fast-moving positive changes of the church in Tanzania and Africa.

And he states the direct impact Wesley College has had on this growth.

When Wesley College started (2017)- there were 90 United Methodist churches in Tanzania.....today there are over 200!!!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Wesley College fills a gap in education in Tanzania- the students would not be able to go elsewhere---period."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bishop Shol's passion for the global Church has led him to Wesley College after serving as interim Lead Bishop of the Nigeria Conference in 2024.

He has visited with school administrators and students and has been overwhelmed with their dedication to provide the best opportunities for the students and community.

He encourages us all to serve as Christ calls us to do and he has seen these acts of service and love at Wesley College.

"Serving others is on Jesus's heart--it should be on our hearts as well. As followers of Jesus- we are called to do everything we can to be Christ in the world. When people are serving those that have the greatest challenges- they are the face of Christ"

~Nicki Sauls~

Communications Director